2015-16 Boys Basketball Capsule Previews
AGASSI PREP
Head coach: Trevor Diggs, third season
2014-15 record: 26-0 (16-0 III Southern, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (zero)
Top players: G Akeemis Williams (So.), G D'Andre Houston (Jr.), G Stephan LauShaul (Sr.)
Outlook: The two-time defending Division III state champions have some work to do this year after graduating a huge class that included Deishuan Booker, who led Southern Nevada in scoring last year (27.7 points per game).
Williams was the team's second-leading scorer (8.8 ppg), but the Stars will need other players to shoulder at least some of the scoring load.
"I expect our team to compete on a high level this year," said Diggs.
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ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: Mike Brascia, second season
2014-15 record: 6-20 (2-6 Northwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (one)
Top players: G/F Jarrod Burks (So.), F Corey Johnson (Sr.), G Jesse Vogel (Sr.), G Comillion Smith (So.), F Rashaad Thomas (Sr.)
Outlook: Vogel averaged 12.0 points and 4.0 assists per game last season, but is one of only three lettermen the Aggies return.
Brascia said he expects Thomas, Johnson, Smith and Burks to compete with a "talented group of underclassmen" for playing time.
"I'm very impressed with the hard work and dedication these players have shown in the offseason," Brascia said. "They have worked hard to be competitive this season."
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BEATTY
Head coach: Steven Sullivan, second season
2014-15 record: 6-8 (5-5 Division IV Southern, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)
Top players: JhonPaul Adujar (Jr.), Lindzey Gross (Sr.), Daniel Jacob (Sr.), Octavio Maldonado (So.), Bryan Ortiz (Sr.), Jacob Oseguera (Jr.), Matt Reetz (Jr.), Robby Revert (Jr.), Jake Ybarra (Jr.), Nick Zamora (Sr.)
Outlook: The Hornets return three starters from a team that finished fifth in the Division IV Southern League last year.
The team should compete for a playoff berth again this season.
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BISHOP GORMAN
Head coach: Grant Rice, 15th season
2014-15 record: 27-6 (8-0 Southwest, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (two)
Top players: C Zach Collins (Sr.), F/G Chuck O'Bannon (Jr.), G Christian Popoola (Jr.), F Byron Frohnen (Sr.), G Travis Rice (Sr.), F/G Chase Noma'aea (Sr.), F/G Jamal Bey (So.), G Luke Bradford (Jr.), G/F Ryan Kiley (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gaels have to replace their top three scorers, including two of the best players in Nevada last year in Chase Jeter and Stephen Zimmerman, who combined for 30.8 points and 20.8 rebounds per game.
"We have a lot of scoring, leadership and rebounding to replace from last year's team," Grant Rice said.
Collins (9.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) has signed to play at Gonzaga next year and leads a list of eight returning lettermen.
O'Bannon (8.0 ppg) is a returning starter for the Gaels, who benefit from the return of Popoola, who averaged 14 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists for Lone Peak (Utah) last year.
"These current players have been waiting a few years to show what they can do, and they are very excited about it," Grant Rice said.
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BONANZA
Head coach: Eric Markuson, fourth season
2014-15 record: 19-8 (5-3 Northwest, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)
Top players: G Jamal Logan (Sr.), F John Holden (Sr.), F Davian Jordan (Sr.)
Outlook: Logan averaged 19.3 points per game last year and is one of six returning lettermen for the Bengals, who showed great improvement last season.
"We are hoping to play an uptempo game, but will need to rebound and play tough defense in order to do so," Markuson said. "We will rely heavily on our seniors to compete in our league and get us back into the playoffs."
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BOULDER CITY
Head coach: John Balistere, fifth season
2014-15 record: 10-15 (5-9 Sunrise, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)
Top players: F Zach Murphy (Sr.), F Austin Wishard (Sr.), G Peyton Koopman (Sr.)
Outlook: Murphy averaged 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and returns along with Wishard (4.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Koopman (5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg).
"With some of our senior leadership, mixed with our underclassmen, it should make for an exciting season," Balistere said.
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CALVARY CHAPEL
Head coach: Doug Lee, fourth season
2014-15 record: 11-11 (9-7 III Southern, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (two)
Top players: G Quentin Hank (Sr.), F Killian Diers (Sr.), G Cameron Varela (Sr.)
Outlook: The Lions return eight letter winners from a team that qualified for the Southern League playoffs.
"We should be very competitive," said Lee.
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CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Todd Allen, seventh season
2014-15 record: 21-6 (8-0 Northwest, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)
Top players: G/F Troy Brown (Jr.), G Isaiah Banks (Jr.), G Roy Sparks (Sr.), C Darian Scott (Jr.), F Jake Hutchings (Sr.)
Outlook: Brown, who averaged 16 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game last year, is one of the top players in the state.
The Bulldogs also have solid scoring options in Banks (9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Sparks (9.0 ppg).
"Buying into roles and being unselfish will be keys to repeat as league champs and go deep into the playoffs," Allen said.
Centennial also has good size in the 6-10 Scott and 6-7 Hutchings.
"We feel that we have a young, fast, long team that looks to get it done on the defensive end of the floor," Allen said. "We are looking for contributions from Elysha Jackson, Jamaal Evans, Alijah Henderson, Ishon Hardin and Kamakana Winquist off the bench."
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CHAPARRAL
Head coach: Steven Bentz, third season
2014-15 record: 16-12 (10-4 Sunrise, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: G Marc Silas (Sr.), F Richard Nelson (Sr.), G Samuel Porras (Jr.), G Robin Rosales (Sr.), F Ben Kirschbaum (Jr.)
Outlook: The Cowboys return four starters from a team that finished third in the Sunrise League last season.
"We have high expectations for this season with lots of quality returners back from last year's team," Bentz said.
Silas, the team's point guard, averaged 16.6 points per game last season and is joined by Porras (9.6 ppg), Nelson (6.5 ppg, 7.0 rebounds per game), Rosales (5.0 ppg) and Kirschbaum (3.0 rpg).
"We have lost some size inside, so we will have to rebound well as a team to end possessions," Bentz said. "Our guards will have to work hard on the defensive end and play together in order to reach our goals and expecations for the season."
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CHEYENNE
Head coach: Teral Fair
2014-15 record: 9-14 (7-7 Sunset, fifth)
Returning lettermen: Eight
Top players: G Alahjan Banks (Sr.), F William Moore (Sr.)
Outlook: The Desert Shields return plenty of experience from last year's team, which finished one game behind Sierra Vista for the Sunset League's final playoff berth.
Banks and the 6-foot-6-inch Moore should carry the scoring load.
Fair said the team is more athletic this season, and that should be reflected in defensive pressure.
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CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Daryl Branham, first season
2014-15 record: 9-19 (2-6 Northwest, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)
Top players: G LaRon Young (Sr.), G JaDon Brown (Jr.)
Outlook: Branham, who guided Canyon Springs to a state title in 2011, takes over a Spartans team that is hoping to show improvement.
"There are only four seniors on this year's team," Branham said. "Hopefully, we will be competitive with a young team that does have some varsity experience."
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CLARK
Head coach: Chad Beeten, sixth season
2014-15 record: 23-8 (13-1 Sunset, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)
Top players: F Darius Jackson (Sr.), G Keyshaun Webb (Sr.), G James Bridges (So.)
Outlook: The defending Division I-A state champions bring back only four lettermen, but three of the team's top six players from last year.
Webb (11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists per game), Jackson (9 ppg, 6 rpg) and Bridges (5 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) are expected to lead a relatively inexperienced squad.
"The team will be very young and we anticipate having four freshmen, six sophomores, two juniors and two seniors on the varsity," Beeten said.
"As always, we intend to compete for a state championship."
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CORONADO
Head coach: Jeff Kaufman, sixth season
2014-15 record: 17-5 (10-0 Southeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)
Top players: F Jake Desjardins (Sr.), F Travis Boman (Sr.), F Kennedy Koehler (Jr.)
Outlook: Desjardins, who averaged 13 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, is one of eight returnees for the Cougars, who have only three seniors.
Boman (6.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Koehler (5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) are expected to be among the team's top contributors.
"This year's team expects to focus on the team concept of sharing the ball and working together on defense," Kaufman said. "With only three seniors, this mix of sophomores and experienced juniors is a physical group of athletes with the goal of playing hard every minute and winning far into the playoffs."
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DEL SOL
Head coach: Tyler Ehrke, seventh season
2014-15 record: 21-7 (11-3 Sunrise, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)
Top players: F Jonathan Spearman (Jr.), F Myles Dunn (Sr.), F Malique Dunn (Sr.)
Outlook: The Dragons are coming off one of their more successful seasons in recent years, but lost nine seniors to graduation.
Only two starters are back, including Spearman, who averaged 6.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
"We will have a bit of a rebuilding year," Ehrke said. "We lost several key players from last year's team and will depend on younger players to help form the core of this team."
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DESERT OASIS
Head coach: Ryan Fretz, third season
2014-15 record: 15-13 (3-5 Northwest, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)
Top players: F Aamondae Coleman (Sr.), G Drevin Cannon (Sr.), G Taiga Miyano (Jr.), G Andrue Aguilera (Sr.), F Daron Fuglesten (Sr.)
Outlook: The Diamondbacks could be set up for a big season.
Coleman, a first-team All-Northwest League choice last year, averaged 15.5 points and 10.3 rebounds. He has plenty of support returning with Cannon (11.6 ppg), Miyano (8.2 ppg, 3.7 assists per game), Aguilera (6.2 ppg) and Fuglesten (5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg) all expected to contribute.
"With the majority of last year's scorers back, our goal is to refine our offensive skills and focus a lot on improving on the defensive end of the floor," said Fretz, who added that he expects contributions from Jacob Heese, Tyler McClendon and Kaelin Crane coming off the bench.
"We have set goals to be a strong competitor at the top of our extremely talented league and region this year," Fretz said.
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DESERT PINES
Head coach: Mike Uzan, fifth season
2014-15 record: 22-10 (13-1 Sunrise, first)
Returning lettermen: Ten
Top players: G/F Trevon Abdullah (Jr.), G Capri Uzan (Jr.), G/F Greg Floyd (Jr.), G/F Jordan Simon (Jr.), G Curtis Henderson (Sr.), C Bryan Penn-Johnson (So.)
Outlook: The Jaguars bring back 10 lettermen from last year's Division I-A state runner-up squad.
Capri Uzan (17 points, 5.2 assists per game) led the team in scoring, and Abdullah (15.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg) was the team's top rebounder.
The 6-9 Floyd, who played sparingly as a freshman at Clark and sat out last season, and 6-10 Penn-Johnson (4.0 ppg, 5.0 blocks per game) give the Jaguars plenty of size.
Simon (9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Henderson (6.0 ppg, 2.0 apg) also could be solid contributors for a team that has aspirations of a state title.
"It's a fun, exciting group that works hard," Mike Uzan said.
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FAITH LUTHERAN
Head coach: Bret Walter, 19th season
2014-15 record: 19-8 (12-2 Sunset, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: F Zach Friel (Sr.), G Blake Bell (Sr.), G Jaylen Fox (So.), F Elijah Kothe (So.), G Gary Tharaldson (Sr.), F Bryce Neagle (Sr.)
Outlook: The Crusaders return seven lettermen from a team that finished one game out of first place in the Sunset League.
Bell (11.8 points per game, 3.0 assists per game) is the leading returning scorer.
Also among those expected to contribute are Friel (9.4 ppg, 5.3 rebounds per game), Fox (8.1 ppg, 3.6 apg), Kothe (7.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Neagle (5.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Tharaldson (4.8 ppg, 1.9 apg).
The team should compete for a postseason berth.
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FOOTHILL
Head coach: Kevin Soares, 17th season
2014-15 record: 21-7 (8-2 Southeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (one)
Top players: F Jonny Rolle (Sr.), F Devon Erb (Sr.), G Jeron Bodin (Jr.), G Eric Johnson (Jr.), G Marvin Coleman (So.)
Outlook: The Falcons, who usually have one of the more competitive teams in the Sunrise Region, return just one starter.
"We are entering the season very young and inexperienced," Soares said. "Our goal is to get better each and every day and hopefully make the playoffs with a little momentum."
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GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Lorenzo Jarvis, sixth season
2014-15 record: 14-14 (3-7 Southeast, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (two)
Top players: G Xavier Jarvis (Sr.), F Isiah Macklin (Sr.), F Canyon Lewis (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gators bring back seven lettermen from a team that qualified for the postseason last year but is hoping for more success this season.
Xavier Jarvis averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game last year and joins Macklin (6.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Lewis (3.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) among the returnees.
"I'm very excited for the group we have this year," coach Jarvis said. "They work together really well, and I'm looking forward to competing for a conference title. Our ultimate goal, as it is every year, is to win the championship."
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LAKE MEAD
Head coach: Jeff Newton, 22nd season
2014-15 record: 7-21 (3-13 III Southern, seventh)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)
Top players: G Hunter Harris (Sr.), F Jacob Scott (Sr.), G Shay Rutledge (So.), G/F Jared Regan (So.), G/F Mitchel Dolinar (So.)
Outlook: The Eagles graduated six seniors from a team that struggled at times to score, breaking 50 points in a game only six times.
"We're still a very young team," said Newton. "We're trying to work hard and continue to develop our offensive game."
Rutledge averaged 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game and has plenty of company back with Harris (5.0 ppg), Scott (3.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Regan (3.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Dolinar (3.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg). If each can add a little more scoring, the Eagles should be more competitive in a league that usually has far more solid teams than available playoff spots.
"We have added depth, and we're hoping to bring more defensive intensity, which could lead to more offensive opportunities," Newton said.
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LAS VEGAS
Head coach: Jason Wilson, eighth season
2014-15 record: 21-8 (7-1 Northeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (zero)
Top players: G/F Marquise Raybon (Jr.), G Dartanion Myers (Jr.)
Outlook: The defending Northeast League champions bring back only three lettermen, including Raybon (5.4 points, 4.7 rebounds per game) and Myers (3.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg).
"We will be very young and inexperienced," Wilson said. "We hope to get the kids to learn to compete and execute at the level necessary during varsity games. The kids will play hard but will have to learn quickly in order to be competitive in games.
"Hopefully, we can return to the playoffs."
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LEGACY
Head coach: Jack Tarango, sixth season
2014-15 record: 11-18 (1-7 Southwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (zero)
Top players: G Timothy Jeffries (Sr.), G Anthone Searcy (Sr.), G/F Ed Vaughns (Sr.), D'Eric Marlowe (So.)
Outlook: The Longhorns return just three letter winners from last year's squad but should get a boost from two transfers who sat out last season.
Legacy had its run of four consecutive playoff appearances snapped last year and hopes to start a new streak.
"These guys look to bring new energy and life," Tarango said. "We have a nice blend of good, young talent and hungry upperclassmen to get back into the playoff mix. They will be competitive every night and will be ready to work in the toughest league in Nevada.
"How quickly they jell will be the key to their success. They are working hard and are a coachable group, so that will help that process."
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THE MEADOWS
Head coach: Gary Hannig, ninth season
2014-15 record: 18-9 (12-4 III Southern, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (four)
Top players: G Jake Epstein (Jr.), C Max Hisatake (Sr.), G Ethan Fridman (Sr.)
Outlook: Epstein averaged 18.7 points per game last year and along with Hisatake (13.4 ppg, 13.0 rebounds per game) and Fridman (11.9 ppg), leads a list of nine returnees.
"We return four starters from a state runner-up team," Hannig said. "Led by seniors Ethan Fridman and Max Hisatake, and junior Jake Epstein, we expect to compete for a state championship this season."
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MOJAVE
Head coach: Colin Darfour, fifth season
2014-15 record: 17-9 (11-3 Sunset, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)
Top players: G Daryl Adams (Sr.), F Chrishawn Thomas (Sr.), G Lamaja Cunningham (Sr.)
Outlook: The Rattlers showed flashes of brilliance last year, finishing two games behind Sunset League champion Clark.
Adams (12.0 points, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals per game) is one of eight returning lettermen for Mojave, which also welcomes back Thomas (8.0 ppg) and Cunningham (7.0 apg, 5.0 rebounds per game).
"With seven seniors back from a team that went 17-9 last year, we plan to be competitive in the Sunset League," Darfour said.
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MOUNTAIN VIEW
Head coach: Raymond LeBoeuf, 20th season
2014-15 record: 15-14 (9-7 III Southern, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)
Top players: G Tevin Gray (Sr.), G Tyrell Brooks (So.), G Terrence Brooks (So.)
Outlook: Gray, who averagd 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, is the team's leading returning scorer and one of four starters back for the Saints, who narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason.
Tyrell Brooks (7.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Terrence Brooks (6.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg) also return to bolster the offense.
"We hope to improve throughout the season," LeBoeuf said.
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NEEDLES
Head coach: Pat Woodburn, second season
2014-15 record: 15-9 (8-8 III Southern, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (four)
Top players: F Trenton Poe-Evans (Sr.), G Derek Wagstaff (Jr.), F Devin Darrow (Sr.), F Victor Ochoa (Jr.), G Michael Chavez (Sr.)
Outlook: After narrowly missing the postseason last year, the Mustangs return four starters.
"We always expect to make it to the state tournament," Woodburn said. "We realize the league is very competitive. We had a junior varsity team that was 20-0 last year with a couple of players who can possibly make an impact.
"We we have a couple of players who are among the best in the league and a good supporting cast for those two."
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PAHRANAGAT VALLEY
Head coach: Mike Strong, 17th season
2014-15 record: 17-8 (8-2 IV Southern, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Ten (four)
Top players: F Jacob Roemer (Sr.), F Shawn Wadsworth (Sr.), F Geoffrey Mortensen (Sr.), G Tabor Maxwell (Jr.), G Christian Higbee (Jr.), G Cody Williams (Jr.), G Tyson Jorgensen (Jr.), F Daved Wilson (Jr.), G Ike Taylor (Jr.), F Culen Highbe (So.)
Outlook: The Panthers won just eight games two seasons ago, but bounced back to earn a spot in the Division IV state title game last year. Ten players from that squad return and should make Pahranagat Valley among the favorites for this year's crown.
"We took a big step last year from the previous year and hope to continue to improve," said Strong.
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PAHRUMP VALLEY
Head coach: John Toomer, third season
2014-15 record: 0-18 (0-14 Sunset, eighth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)
Top players: F Danny Foss (Sr.), F Nolan Toomer (Sr.)
Outlook: The Trojans return four players from a team that struggled last year, but is hoping to turn things around this year.
Foss (8.7 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game) was the team's leading scorer and rebounder last year. Nolan Toomer added 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg.
"We are very young this year, but looking forward to a positive, hard-working season," coach Toomer said. "We are looking to improve with each game we play and hope to be very competitive as the season goes on."
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PALO VERDE
Head coach: Paul Sanchez, fourth season
2014-15 record: 21-10 (6-2 Southwest, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (one)
Top players: G Taylor Miller (Sr.), G Ryan Vogelei (Sr.), G Christian Bryant (Sr.)
Outlook: Graduation delivered a heavy blow to the Panthers, who lost four starters, including first-team all-state forward Grant Dressler and third-team all-state guard Ja Morgan.
Miller (14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game) is the most battle-tested of the returnees.
"We have a good young group to come out and compete each night and improve each day and make a playoff run," Sanchez said.
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RANCHO
Head coach: Ronald Childress, third season
2014-15 record: 13-15 (4-6 Southeast, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)
Top players: F Lamont Traylor (Sr.), G Chrys Jackson (Jr.), G Travon Cotton-Taylor (So.), F Mike Hernandez (Jr.)
Outlook: Three seasons ago, the Rams were a three-win team. Coming off their most successful season in recent memory, they're hoping to continue to improve.
Traylor, who will be a three-year starter and averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game last year, is among five returnees for Rancho, which also brings back Jackson (8 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds per game) and Hernandez (6 ppg, 5 rpg).
"The Rams boast a talented, but young and inexperienced roster," Childress said. "We're depending on third-year starter at the point Chrys Jackson to lead the way.
"The Rams are looking to build off of their first playoff appearance in five years."
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SHADOW RIDGE
Head coach: Ray Miller, second season
2014-15 record: 11-15 (2-6 Southwest, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (one)
Top players: G Je'rell Springer (Jr.), G Marshal Mayfield (Sr.), G Kevin Branch (Jr.)
Outlook: The Mustangs bring back four lettermen from a team that qualified for the Sunset Region playoffs last year.
Springer (16 points, 8 rebounds per game) was the team's top scorer last year.
"The Mustangs will be led by Je'rell Springer, who is one of the best players in Nevada," Miller said.
Mayfield (8 ppg, 4 assists per game) and Branch (6 ppg, 2 apg) also should be contributors.
"The supporting cast will be deep and talented," Miller said. "We're trying to stay under the radar. The program has turned the corner."
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SIERRA VISTA
Head coach: Keith Ulrich, fifth season
2014-15 record: 14-13 (7-7 Sunset, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)
Top players: G Maka Ellis (So.), F Jasper Cook (Jr.), G Tanner Lewis (Sr.), F Chris McCoy (Jr.), F Lerone Gibson (Jr.), G Davion Hollis (So.), G Kevin Tobie (Sr.), F Maui SeraJosef (Jr.)
Outlook: Ellis was the leading scorer among freshmen in Southern Nevada last year at 18.8 points per game and averaged 3.6 rebounds per game.
He and Cook (10.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg) were the Mountain Lions' top two scorers last year and lead a list of six returning lettermen.
Lewis sat out last season after transferring.
Hollis (5.2 ppg), SeraJosef (4.7 ppg) and McCoy (2.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg) also should contribute, along with Gibson and Tobie.
"Sierra Vista expects to compete for a league title and a playoff berth," Ulrich said.
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SILVERADO
Head coach: Shelby Jones, first season
2014-15 record: 1-23 (0-8 Northeast, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (one)
Top players: G/F Matt Arnold (Sr.), G Kris Coe (Sr.), G Tyric Johnson (Sr.), G Jordan Waugh (Sr.), G Jireh Johnson (Sr.)
Outlook: Jones inherits a team that is hungry for success after struggling last season.
Arnold averaged 11 points per game last year and leads a list of six returnees for the Skyhawks.
"We return several players that played minutes at the varsity level," Jones said. "The team is athletic and interchangeable at every position."
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SUNRISE MOUNTAIN
Head coach: John Teran, third season
2014-15 record: 8-14 (6-8 Sunrise, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Two (one)
Top players: G Trevor White (Jr.), G Tyri White (Sr.)
Outlook: The Miners graduated eight seniors last year, and this year's squad may be one of the bigger unknowns in the Sunrise League.
Sunrise Mountain returns only two players, including Tyri White (5.5 points, 1.2 assists per game) and picked up transfer Trevor White.
"This might be our quickest and most athletic team," Teran said. "However, inexperience may be a factor."
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VALLEY
Head coach: Adam Zakos, first season
2014-15 record: 26-5 (7-1 Northeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): One (zero)
Top players: F Zach Nichols (Sr.), F Roell King (Sr.), G Azarias Boudreaux (Sr.)
Outlook: New look is an understatement for the Vikings, who had 11 seniors last season and have a new coach this season in Zakos.
"We have a team that competes on a daily basis, is committed to taking care of the ball, getting quality possessions on offense and being a good team defensively," Zakos said. "We'll be a team that improves every week."
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VIRGIN VALLEY
Head coach: Sean FitzSimons, fourth season
2014-15 record: 13-13 (9-5 Sunrise, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)
Top players: F Marcus Saunders (Sr.), G Zach Barnum (Sr.), G Jarrett Tietjen (Jr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs return six lettermen from a team that qualified for the Division I-A Southern Region before running into eventual state champion Clark in a region quarterfinal.
"We were young last year, and no one really expected much, but we battled and were able to sneak up on some people," FitzSimons said. "We hope to have some of those underclassmen from last year step up to be leaders."
Saunders (10.8 ppg) was the leading scorer on a defensive-minded team.
Barnum (6.4 ppg) was the team's third-leading scorer, and Tietjen (5.6 ppg, 4 assists per game) led the squad in assists, steals (43) and 3-pointers made (25).
"Virgin Valley will look to continue to build on the success of the past few years," FitzSimons said.
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WESTERN
Head coach: Rudy Johnson, third season
2014-15 record: 2-24 (2-12 Sunset, seventh)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (zero)
Top players: G/F Kwan Carter (Jr.), G/F John Swayzer (Jr.), G Nakia Harris-Neal (Sr.), G Michael Teagues (Jr.), F Anthony Dodson (So.), F Muhrad McCluney (Sr.)
Outlook: The Warriors struggled last season, but should show signs of improvement this year despite returning no starters.
Harris-Neal averaged 12.2 points and 2.6 assists per game last year for Claremont (Calif.) and could make an impact for Western, which also welcomes back Carter, Swayzer and Dodson.
"We lack experience without any varsity starters," Johnson said. "We have two sophomores that should develop into good players, and we expect to improve."
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WORD OF LIFE
Head coach: Percy Lockett, fourth season
2014-15 record: 5-14 (4-6 IV Southern, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (four)
Top players: Elijah Hoye (Sr.), Jarrett Fisher (Sr.), Trent McCall (Sr.), Malik Moore (Sr.)
Outlook: The Eagles were better than their record indicated last season, and with four starters returning, the team should contend for a top spot in the Southern League.
"We want to compete for 32 minutes on both ends of the floor," Lockett said. "We expect to finish high in league play and make a strong push in the postseason."
